Guidelines for Returning Refrigerated Vehicles Used for Human Remains to Food Storage

FDA Issues Non-Binding Guidelines

Context

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need for additional refrigerated storage for human remains. As a result, food storage vehicles were repurposed for this temporary task. Now, with the COVID pandemic emergency over, the FDA has revised its guidelines to ensure safe cleaning and disinfection of these vehicles for future food use, beyond just pandemic-related scenarios.

Key Recommendations

The FDA stresses that these refrigerated units must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before being used again for food storage. Here's a summary of the process:

1. Cleaning Hard Surfaces: The interiors of these vehicles are designed with hard, non-porous surfaces like floors, walls, and ceilings, which are easy to clean. After cleaning, these surfaces must be disinfected using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants.
2. Using Disinfectants Properly: Disinfectants should be applied following the instructions on the label to ensure they work effectively. This may require multiple applications or adjusting the temperature of the interiors since some disinfectants are not effective at cold temperatures.
3. When Not to Use: If the vehicle has been in direct contact with blood or bodily fluids, or if certain conditions exist (such as damage to surfaces or offensive odors), the FDA recommends not returning the unit to food use.

Safety Measures for Workers

The FDA also highlights the importance of protecting workers during cleaning. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards apply, and workers may need personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle chemicals safely.

The FDA's updated guidance ensures that refrigerated transport vehicles and storage units used to hold human remains can safely return to food service, as long as thorough cleaning and disinfection are performed. The recommendations protect both food safety and worker safety.